It also states that ‘this investigation is at an early stage and no assumptions should be made that competition law has been infringed.’

The inquiry seeks to discover whether attempts have been made to manipulate sales of musical instruments and pro-audio-equipment with price fixing or controlled sales to specific areas of the country, according to the Sunday Telegraph.

14 leading music shops have been asked to provide details of dealings with the companies.

Paul McManus, chief executive of the Music Industries Association, said: “As the trade body for the UK musical instrument industry we have naturally offered all possible support and help to the CMA in their investigation.

“We are a very small part of the overall music industry and we are concerned that we have warranted this investigation.”